During the run-up to the 2017 General Election, we're dipping into the archives to bring you a collection of events from elections past - noteworthy, amusing or just plain bemusing. You can catch up on the 2017 election in our dedicated hub.

Gentleman,

Politically I rather favour Conservative principles; morally I detest every action that is mean, shabby and disreputable. But, gentlemen, hear my complaint.

Business called me this morning to a place not 100 miles from Blackheath. When I had finished, as it was West Kent election day, I strolled about, and at last pulled up near a polling-booth.

My attention was immediately directed to a man coming away from it with an air which showed he was a free and independent Briton who had given his vote conscientiously - you can always distinguish such men.

I was rather admiring the man, when suddenly a clergyman presented himself before our free and independent Briton. Mark the conversation.

Clregyman - "Hallo, Horne (or some such name), you're just in time to vote."

Horne - "I've just voted, sir."

Clergyman - "Who'd you vote for?"

Horne (who evidently knows who are the clergyman's candidates) - "For the other side; for Angerstein and Lubbock."

Clergyman (looking sternly) - "Horne! You cease to be a verger! We part from this time!£

A withering glance at Horne, and they part.

I felt interested in this model clergyman, so I kept my eye on him. He bustled about the booth a bit. I'll try and find out who he is, I thought.

Going up to a mild-looking individual, I said, "Pray, who is that clergyman?"

Election days

The radical John Wilkes had been pursued by the courts following his publication of a semi-pornographic parody of the work of Alexander Pope. His supporters returned him to the Commons as MP for Middlesex, but on the grounds of his conviction, Parliament had expelled him in February 1769, twice; and then again in March. He was re-elected every time. By April, the authorities came up with a way of avoiding the cat-and-mouse game: effectively refusing to acknowledge his win.

With this degree course you will develop and deepen your knowledge of different periods of history from antiquity to the twentieth century. Engaging with a range of exciting and challenging topics such as imperialism, politics, social relations, medicine, warfare and religion in different periods, you will learn the skills of the historian in studying the materials of the past. You will also examine some of the critical approaches taken by historians to their subject matter. We offer a number of alternative routes through the BA (Hons) History with different combinations of modules, allowing you to align your studies with your own particular historical interests. Studying within a broad framework designed to meet high national standards for single-subject history degrees, you will develop a range of skills in knowledge management, oral and written communication, critical reasoning, research, and information and communications technologies, all of which are highly valued in the modern workplace.

At the start of the 20th Century, it was expected that MPs granted a seat in cabinet would seek re-election before taking up the posts. Winston Churchill, offered the Presidency of the Board Of Trade, found himself fighting a by-election on behlaf of the Liberals in Manchester North West. His candidancy became a target for Suffragette action.

Image 'Image from animation of man looking at a newspaper with the headline 'what is your opinion?'' - Copyright: The Open University

Image 'President Bush: Benefitting from the swing' - Copyright: BBC

Image 'An illustration of the United Kingdom showing Scotland separated from England and connected only by a drawbridge. The caption reads: Scotland is pulling up the drawbridge of democracy.' - Catherine Pain under Creative-Commons license

Tags, Ratings and Social Bookmarking

Ratings

Ratings

Share

We invite you to discuss this subject, but remember this is a public forum.Please be polite, and avoid your passions turning into
contempt for others. We may delete posts that are rude or aggressive; or edit posts containing contact details or links to other websites.

Feeds

If you enjoyed this, why not follow a feed to find out when we have new things like it? Choose an RSS feed from the list below. (Don't know what to do with RSS feeds?)
Remember, you can also make your own, personal feed by combining tags from around OpenLearn.

Lincoln's balancing running-mate didn't cover himself in glory in the top job; why peace deals don't always deliver for queer people; can government make you happy? Learning and research from across the day.